New York City: West Village Speakeasy Walking Tour

New York City’s West Village is home to a captivating history of Prohibition-era speakeasies, and this 3-hour walking tour promises to unveil their hidden charms. Led by a local guide, you will explore three notable bars where the rich legacy of crafting cocktails during the dry years intertwines with the neighborhood’s architectural beauty and vibrant culture. Priced at $34 per person and limited to just 8 guests, this immersive experience offers a chance to sip expertly made drinks while uncovering the intriguing stories that have shaped the area’s past. For those seeking a unique glimpse into the city’s illicit past, this tour may prove to be a tantalizing prospect.

Key Points

• A 3-hour walking tour in New York City’s West Village that explores the history of speakeasies and Prohibition-era cocktail culture.
• Visits to three notable speakeasies and historic bars, including a subway ride to the Meatpacking District.
• Includes craft cocktail tastings and insights from a local guide on the neighborhood’s Prohibition history and legacy.
• Suitable for adults 21 and older, with a maximum group size of 8 participants.
• Offers a range of language options and a "reserve now, pay later" option for convenient booking.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This New York City walking tour takes participants through the West Village, exploring the neighborhood’s legendary speakeasies from the Prohibition era.

Priced from $34 per person, the 3-hour tour is limited to just 8 participants and available in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.

The tour meets at the Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly Playground in Chelsea, with the first stop being a speakeasy where guests will sip craft cocktails and learn about prohibition history.

The group then takes the subway to the Meatpacking District and Greenwich Village for additional speakeasy visits and historical insights into this fascinating era.

Experience Highlights

What can guests expect on this West Village Speakeasy Walking Tour? Visitors will visit three top-notch speakeasies and historic bars in Manhattan, sipping on craft cocktails as they learn about the Prohibition era.

The tour takes guests on a subway ride to W4th Street in Greenwich Village, providing historical insights about the neighborhood along the way.

At each stop, you will enjoy high-quality craft cocktails while the local guide shares stories of how speakeasies operated during Prohibition and how the law was enforced in New York.

Itinerary Details

Starting the West Village Speakeasy Walking Tour, guests meet their guide at the Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly Playground.

The group then visits their first speakeasy, where they’ll enjoy a craft cocktail while learning about the history of prohibition and its enforcement in New York.

Next, they’ll take the subway to the Meatpacking District for their second speakeasy stop. As they walk through the neighborhood, the guide provides historical insights.

The tour concludes with a final stop in Greenwich Village for a high-quality craft cocktail.

The itinerary includes:

1. Meeting at the Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly Playground
2. Visiting three top speakeasies and historic bars
3. Enjoying craft cocktails and learning about prohibition
4. Subway ride to the Meatpacking District and walking through the neighborhood

Inclusions

The tour’s inclusions cover a walking tour with exclusive access to three speakeasies, a local guide, a subway ticket for a one-stop ride, and tips.

Participants will enjoy craft cocktails and learn about the history of prohibition in New York as they visit these hidden gems.

The guide’s expertise ensures an immersive experience, sharing insights into the era’s enforcement and its impact on the city.

With transportation and gratuities handled, guests can fully engage in the excursion without additional expenses.

These comprehensive inclusions provide a seamless and enriching speakeasy exploration in the heart of the West Village.

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Important Information

Typically, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Alternatively, customers can choose the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 21 years of age, and certain items are prohibited, including:

1. Alcohol
2. Drugs
3. Bare feet
4. Other disruptive items

Participants should come prepared with a passport or ID and wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a light amount of walking.

Prohibition History

Prohibition, the nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States, was a tumultuous period that shaped the cultural and social landscape of the country.

Despite its intent to curb alcohol consumption, Prohibition fueled the rise of organized crime and the proliferation of speakeasies, illicit establishments where people could secretly gather and enjoy illegal drinks.

These secretive bars became hubs of cultural and artistic expression, with live music, dancing, and a sense of rebellion against the restrictive laws.

The tour explores this fascinating era, providing insights into how Prohibition transformed New York City and the enduring legacy of the speakeasy culture.

Craft Cocktails

Craft cocktails served at the speakeasies on this tour showcase the bartenders’ expertise and creativity in mixology.

Attendees can expect to sample a variety of innovative libations featuring high-quality spirits, fresh juices, and unique botanical infusions.

The cocktail menu may include:

1. A classic Prohibition-era Sidecar, with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon.
2. An intricate Negroni variation, blending gin, sweet vermouth, and a special house-made aperitif.
3. A refreshing, citrus-forward Clover Club, made with gin, raspberry syrup, and egg white.
4. A complex Old Fashioned, using barrel-aged whiskey and artisanal bitters.

These expertly crafted cocktails transport guests back to the decadent and clandestine Prohibition era.

Neighborhood Insights

As the tour winds through the West Village, the guide offers insightful commentary on the neighborhood’s rich history and distinct character.

Strolling the charming streets, visitors learn about the area’s evolution from a hub for artists and bohemians to a sought-after residential enclave.

The guide highlights the architectural gems that line the tree-shaded sidewalks, from the quaint townhouses to the iconic brownstones that define the neighborhood’s aesthetic.

Along the way, tidbits about famous residents and cultural institutions provide a deeper understanding of the West Village’s enduring appeal.

This immersive experience allows participants to appreciate the neighborhood’s vibrant personality and appreciate its enduring allure as a quintessential New York City destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but participants should be mindful of the speakeasy environments and avoid disruptive behavior. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific policies or restrictions on photography.

Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol on the Tour?

No, bringing your own alcohol on the tour is not allowed. The tour includes visits to three speakeasies where participants can purchase and enjoy craft cocktails. Bringing outside alcohol would not be permitted.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not explicitly stated to be wheelchair accessible. Participants are required to walk and take the subway, which may present accessibility challenges. Individuals with mobility needs should contact the tour operator for more information on accommodations.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration generally cannot be extended, as it is a structured 3-hour experience. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate special requests for a longer duration, subject to availability and additional fees.

Is There an Age Limit for Participating in the Tour?

The tour requires participants to be at least 21 years old, as it involves visiting speakeasies and consuming alcoholic beverages. Minors are not permitted to join the tour.

Recap

Set out on a captivating journey through New York City’s West Village, where Prohibition-era speakeasies and craft cocktails intertwine. Discover the vibrant culture and architectural beauty of the neighborhood, as a local guide shares engaging stories and insights. This 3-hour walking tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about the rich history and lively spirit of the West Village.

You can check if your dates are available here: